The School Shenanigans of Amy and Nontanda by Geraldine Pennels

When a new teacher from Tanzania arrives at Salsa International School, he brings with him a strict demeanor and a demanding curriculum that both challenges and infuriates the students he teaches. In his attempt to discipline the fifth graders, he inadvertently reunites Amy and Nontanda, whose friendship had dissolved the year before. Soon, the two girls form a new, stronger friendship, becoming protective of each other, while remaining intellectually competitive. In this time of growth, the eleven year olds share an array of new social and cultural experiences, from the innocence of first crush to vying for their teachers' affection, all on the way to becoming best friends all over again. Author Geraldine Pennels grew up in the Eastern Cape of South Africa in the city of King William's Town. After graduating from university, she was employed as an educator at a tertiary institution. It was her experience during this time of her life that inspired her first novel. Dr. Pennels currently resides in Port Elizabeth, where she continues to pursue her writing career.